Thanks to whoever posted this. I'm a big fan of the Boston Blackie radio show and I've always wanted to see the TV show.
This is the episode, "The Gunman" from Season 2, Episode 13 of Boston Blackie from January 1953.
IMDB page.
In terms of Copyright, All 26 Season 1 episodes were renewed, but all 32 Season 2 episodes (including this one) are in the public domain.
To my review:
It can be a difficult task to judge a series based on the first episode you see, particularly if that episode's a little off.
That's the case with this particular episode of Boston Blackie. Maybe, it's having listened to the radio show, or maybe mentally comparing it to other detective shows of the era such as Front Page Detective. Kent Taylor doesn't seem equal to the charisma of Chester Morris in the Movies or Richard Kollmer on the radio show. This particular episode doesn't give us that sense of Blackie as the lovable rogue that charmed silver screen audiences and made way for the most successful syndicated radio detective show.
This episode also suffered from about a third of the show focusing on the resolution, which seemed to be inspired by several Looney Tunes and Droopy cartoons.
However, I think Lois Collier did well in her role as Mary Wesley. The voice was just perfect for the character. Plus, given the lack of availability of the Blackie films, it's great to actually SEE Boston Blackie in any format.
The series as a whole is rated 7.6 on IMDB, so it seems probable that this was just an off show. So once again, thanks to whoever posted this and hopefully there's more to come.